An estimated 1 in 10 Pope County adults are licensed to carry a concealed handgun based on data from the Arkansas State Police and the U.S. Census Bureau.

A spokesman for the Arkansas State Police said recently that 5,036 concealed carry licenses are registered to residents of Pope County.

The most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Pope County has an estimated population of 49,109 adults (18 years of age or older).

An applicant has to be 21 years of age to qualify for a concealed carry license in Arkansas, meaning the percentage of qualified adults that are able to carry concealed handguns may be even higher.

Concealed carry license holders are allowed to possess hidden handguns in most public places, although owners of private establishments can restrict the presence of concealed firearms. Recent legislation passed in Arkansas will allow for increased freedoms for those with concealed carry licenses. They will soon be able to carry their concealed weapons on campuses of public colleges, in airports, and at polling places as long as they complete a training course.

According to the state's concealed carry law, a handgun is "any firearm, other than a fully automatic firearm, with a barrel length of less than 12 inches that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one hand."

The Courier requested readers share their experiences with concealed carry through an online survey and received dozens of responses within a day. The reasons why readers got their concealed carry permits varied greatly.

Ervin Petty of Hector said he has had a concealed carry license for five years. He said he got his license due to the "danger around everyday living."

Heather Tucker of Russellville has had her permit for one year. She said she decided to get hers after finding drugs in her neighborhood.

Celestine Whitted of Ola said she got her concealed carry license six years ago since she knew she would be driving alone.

The response from Brenda Morgan of Dardanelle was similar to Whitted's response. She said she got her permit eight years ago to feel safe while driving.

Several respondents indicated they did not have a concealed carry permit.

Taylor Kendrick of Russellville said he did not have a concealed carry license, but was in the process of looking into getting one since he has begun working in Little Rock.

Mark McClure of Atkins indicated he did not have a concealed carry permit and expressed his reservations about the presence of handguns on college campuses.

"Concealed weapons should not be allowed on college campuses or at sporting events," McClure said.

Rachel Trusty, whose permanent address is in Russellville but is currently living in Conway, shared similar reservations. Trusty also indicated she did not have a concealed carry license.

"I do not agree with the new legislation that allows concealed carry in higher education Institutions," Trusty included in her responses.